FOLLOW...
This is a common word that we use throughout our day. My concern isn’t that we are not hearing or using it properly, but that we may not quite get a full vue of the magnitude of which it is to be applied spiritually. It has often been vued with a carnal mind. Watered down in a sense. Today, as most of the world is involved in social media, a common phrase used to describe the relationship between users is that they are ‘following’ one another. To say that ‘I am following this or that’ is becoming superficial (existing or occurring on the surface) and truly requires little to no effort other than the push of a button. Today, to follow may simply mean to ‘look at’ and ‘like’ occasionally.
In the first chapter written by John, we notice Yeshua telling Philip to ‘follow me’. In the religious circle, I hear that phrase used very often in an automated and cliche way. In the same way that I hear people say ‘God Bless You’ after a sneeze or ‘Good’ when someone asks how they are doing. Is God blessing them during or after their sneeze? Maybe. Do they require a specific blessing because of their sneeze? Are you ‘good’ at the moment someone asks you? Is there a more transparent and honest response you would like to give but don’t often have the words or time or nerves to speak? Instead, we just say ‘good’ and move along our way. In the same way, I often hear it said, ‘follow God’ or ‘follow Jesus’. There are bumper stickers and t-shirts and picture frames to remind us to ‘follow’ him in case we forget to.
The original greek word comes from a word meaning ‘road’. This word also has a prefix attached to it that means ‘union’. To unite along a road. It gives the idea of being ‘in the same way’. Be ‘in the same way’ or as I like to say within myself, be ‘as the same way’. Like a soldier walking in cadence. He is following and observing the one before him. To follow requires close observing and giving close attention. As he walks the same way, he is the same way. He moves in union with the before him. Be ‘in’ but as you are ‘in’, just be. If you are ‘in’ an angry mood, then you are 'being’ angry. If you are ‘in’ confusion, then you are 'being’ confused. 'In' and 'are' become one. Do you follow?
If you are moving along a pathway and 'are jumping' over a ditch, then as I am moving ‘in the same way’, I must ‘be jumping' as well. If you face a pressure and reply with patience, then if I am moving ‘in the same way’, I must ‘be patient' as well. If I am following the way that you are moving, then I must become what you are and do what you do. I must be the ‘same’ as you. I must be in union with you.
People may easily say, ‘I follow this or I follow that’, but their words and deeds will reveal the truth of it. It is not as simple as pushing a ‘like’ button on a device or flipping along some photos with your thumb. To follow is to become the same as you are ‘in the same way’. The union along one road requires the two to become one.
Spiritually or mindfully speaking, your thoughts, desires and ultimately words and actions must be the same. The very mind that caused Yeshua to move through this world as he did, is the very same mind that causes the children of God to move in the same way. This movement is in wisdom, understanding, and right ways. Have this mind be in you.
If you are not doing the same as the one leading, then you are NOT following them regardless of what you may say or claim or what you would like people to think. Many people say they follow this or that, but when they are alone and in a hidden place the truth of themselves shows. As concerning following the way of truth, it is better that we do not say a word, but rather let our behaviors and actions speak for themselves. If you prefer the road of less pressure, less suffering, less discipline, less pain, less humiliation, less correction or less rejection, then you are not following Yeshua. He surely did not follow the way and comfort and automation of religion as most of us prefer to do these days.
Unite unto the road that he united and become as he became. That is the only true way to follow.
Follow the way of God. Follow the Christ he gives to us. Only you and God know the true way you are following. Fool me, but you cannot fool God.
Follow God my friend.
Switchvues
In the first chapter written by John, we notice Yeshua telling Philip to ‘follow me’. In the religious circle, I hear that phrase used very often in an automated and cliche way. In the same way that I hear people say ‘God Bless You’ after a sneeze or ‘Good’ when someone asks how they are doing. Is God blessing them during or after their sneeze? Maybe. Do they require a specific blessing because of their sneeze? Are you ‘good’ at the moment someone asks you? Is there a more transparent and honest response you would like to give but don’t often have the words or time or nerves to speak? Instead, we just say ‘good’ and move along our way. In the same way, I often hear it said, ‘follow God’ or ‘follow Jesus’. There are bumper stickers and t-shirts and picture frames to remind us to ‘follow’ him in case we forget to.
The original greek word comes from a word meaning ‘road’. This word also has a prefix attached to it that means ‘union’. To unite along a road. It gives the idea of being ‘in the same way’. Be ‘in the same way’ or as I like to say within myself, be ‘as the same way’. Like a soldier walking in cadence. He is following and observing the one before him. To follow requires close observing and giving close attention. As he walks the same way, he is the same way. He moves in union with the before him. Be ‘in’ but as you are ‘in’, just be. If you are ‘in’ an angry mood, then you are 'being’ angry. If you are ‘in’ confusion, then you are 'being’ confused. 'In' and 'are' become one. Do you follow?
If you are moving along a pathway and 'are jumping' over a ditch, then as I am moving ‘in the same way’, I must ‘be jumping' as well. If you face a pressure and reply with patience, then if I am moving ‘in the same way’, I must ‘be patient' as well. If I am following the way that you are moving, then I must become what you are and do what you do. I must be the ‘same’ as you. I must be in union with you.
People may easily say, ‘I follow this or I follow that’, but their words and deeds will reveal the truth of it. It is not as simple as pushing a ‘like’ button on a device or flipping along some photos with your thumb. To follow is to become the same as you are ‘in the same way’. The union along one road requires the two to become one.
Spiritually or mindfully speaking, your thoughts, desires and ultimately words and actions must be the same. The very mind that caused Yeshua to move through this world as he did, is the very same mind that causes the children of God to move in the same way. This movement is in wisdom, understanding, and right ways. Have this mind be in you.
If you are not doing the same as the one leading, then you are NOT following them regardless of what you may say or claim or what you would like people to think. Many people say they follow this or that, but when they are alone and in a hidden place the truth of themselves shows. As concerning following the way of truth, it is better that we do not say a word, but rather let our behaviors and actions speak for themselves. If you prefer the road of less pressure, less suffering, less discipline, less pain, less humiliation, less correction or less rejection, then you are not following Yeshua. He surely did not follow the way and comfort and automation of religion as most of us prefer to do these days.
Unite unto the road that he united and become as he became. That is the only true way to follow.
Follow the way of God. Follow the Christ he gives to us. Only you and God know the true way you are following. Fool me, but you cannot fool God.
Follow God my friend.
Switchvues
